What are the Most Unusual Stringed Instruments You Can Find?

Have you ever come across an instrument that made you wonder, “What on earth is that?” We’re talking about the most unusual stringed instruments you’ve never heard of. From the serene and haunting sound of the erhu to the striking and exotic sound of the oud, these instruments are a testament to the diversity of music and culture around the world. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the strange and captivating world of unusual stringed instruments.

Types of Stringed Instruments

Acoustic Instruments

Violins

Electric Violins

Acoustic Violins

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

Other Violins

Harps

Acoustic Harps

Electric Harps

Other Harps

Harp Accessories

Harp Parts

Harp Strings

Harp Books

Harp Methods

Harp Sheet Music

Harp Cases

Harp Leathers

Harp Levers

Harp Stands

Harp Pedals

Harp Tuning Keys

Other Stringed Instruments

Sitar

Banjo

Mandolin

Ukulele

Balalaika

Bouzouki

Cymbalom

Gusli

Santur

Saz

Tamburica

Zither

In addition to these, there are other unusual stringed instruments that you can find. Here are some examples:

• Sitar: a plucked string instrument used in Indian classical music, with a long neck and a resonator body.
• Banjo: a four-stringed instrument with a thin membrane stretched over a circular frame, typically played in bluegrass and country music.
• Mandolin: a four-stringed instrument similar to a guitar, but with a smaller body and a teardrop-shaped body.
• Ukulele: a four-stringed instrument similar to a guitar, but with a smaller body and a teardrop-shaped body.
• Balalaika: a Russian stringed instrument with a triangular body and three strings, used in folk music.
• Bouzouki: a Greek stringed instrument with a long neck and a resonator body, typically played in traditional Greek music.
• Cymbalom: a Hungarian stringed instrument with a long neck and a resonator body, played with two mallets.
• Gusli: a Russian stringed instrument with a trapezoidal body and strings, played with two mallets.
• Santur: an Iranian stringed instrument with a trapezoidal body and strings, played with two mallets.
• Saz: a Turkish stringed instrument with a trapezoidal body and strings, played with a pick or fingers.
• Tamburica: a Balkan stringed instrument with a trapezoidal body and strings, played with a pick or fingers.
• Zither: a stringed instrument with a flat soundboard and strings, played with a pick or fingers.

Unusual Stringed Instruments

Unconventional Guitars

Guitars with Non-Traditional Shapes

Oval Guitars

Oval guitars are an unconventional design that differs from the traditional guitar shape. These guitars have an oval-shaped body, which provides a unique sound and playing experience. The oval shape affects the resonance and tone of the instrument, giving it a distinctive character. Some musicians find that oval guitars are more comfortable to play, especially for certain playing styles or positions.

Heart-Shaped Guitars

Heart-shaped guitars are another unusual design that deviates from the standard guitar shape. These guitars have a body shaped like a heart, which makes them visually striking and distinctive. The heart shape can affect the sound and tone of the instrument, giving it a unique character. Some musicians find that heart-shaped guitars are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Shield-Shaped Guitars

Shield-shaped guitars are an unconventional design that features a body shaped like a shield. These guitars have a unique shape that affects the resonance and tone of the instrument, giving it a distinctive character. The shield shape can provide better protection for the instrument during transportation or storage. Some musicians find that shield-shaped guitars are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Gun-Shaped Guitars

Gun-shaped guitars are an unusual design that features a body shaped like a gun. These guitars have a unique shape that affects the resonance and tone of the instrument, giving it a distinctive character. The gun shape can provide a unique visual appeal and make the instrument stand out. Some musicians find that gun-shaped guitars are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Rounded Guitars

Rounded guitars are an unconventional design that features a body with rounded edges. These guitars have a unique shape that affects the resonance and tone of the instrument, giving it a distinctive character. The rounded shape can provide better comfort for the player’s body during long playing sessions. Some musicians find that rounded guitars are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Guitars with Unusual Necks

Tilted Neck Guitars

Tilted neck guitars are an unconventional design that features a neck with a tilted angle. These guitars have a unique neck design that affects the playing experience and sound of the instrument. The tilted angle can provide better access to the upper frets, making it easier to play higher notes. Some musicians find that tilted neck guitars are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Floating Neck Guitars

Floating neck guitars are an unusual design that features a neck that appears to be floating. These guitars have a unique neck design that affects the playing experience and sound of the instrument. The floating neck design can provide better resonance and sustain, making the instrument sound fuller. Some musicians find that floating neck guitars are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Multi-Neck Guitars

Multi-neck guitars are an unconventional design that features multiple necks on a single body. These guitars have a unique design that allows the player to switch between different tunings or playing styles without having to switch instruments. The multi-neck design can provide greater versatility and convenience for the player. Some musicians find that multi-neck guitars are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Straight Neck Guitars

Straight neck guitars are an unusual design that features a straight neck instead of the traditional curved neck. These guitars have a unique neck design that affects the playing experience and sound of the instrument. The straight neck design can provide better access to the upper frets, making it easier to play higher notes. Some musicians find that straight neck guitars are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Split Neck Guitars

Split neck guitars are an unconventional design that features a neck that is separated into two parts. These guitars have a unique neck design that affects the playing experience and sound of the instrument. The split neck design can provide greater ease of access to the upper frets, making it easier to play higher notes. Some musicians find that split neck guitars are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Unusual Neck Joints

Unusual neck joints are an unconventional design that features a unique joint between the neck and the body of the guitar. These guitars have a unique neck design that affects the playing experience and sound of the instrument. The unusual neck joint design can provide better resonance and sustain, making the instrument sound fuller. Some musicians find that guitars with unusual neck joints are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Guitars with Alternative Tunings

Chord-Based Tunings

Chord-based tunings are an unconventional design that features a unique tuning system based on chords. These guitars have a unique tuning system that allows the player to play chords more easily and effortlessly. The chord-based tuning system can provide greater ease of playing and make it easier to play certain songs or styles of music. Some musicians find that guitars with chord-based tunings are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Microtonal Tunings

Microtonal tunings are an unconventional design that features a unique tuning system based on microtones. These guitars have a unique tuning system that allows the player to play microtones more easily and effortlessly. The microtonal tuning system can provide greater ease of playing and make it easier to play certain songs or styles of music. Some musicians find that guitars with microtonal tunings are comfortable to play and provide a different playing experience compared to traditional guitars.

Fanned Frets Tunings

Fanned frets tunings are an unconventional design that features

How to Play Unusual Stringed Instruments

Learning Unusual Instruments

Finding Instrument Lessons

For those interested in learning to play unusual stringed instruments, finding lessons can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several options available for those looking to learn.

Online Lessons

Online lessons have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they offer a convenient way to learn from the comfort of your own home. There are many websites that offer lessons for unusual stringed instruments, and many of them are free. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all online lessons are created equal, and some may not be as comprehensive as others.

In-Person Lessons

For those who prefer in-person lessons, there are several options available. Many music stores offer lessons for unusual stringed instruments, and there are also private instructors who specialize in teaching these instruments. In-person lessons can be more expensive than online lessons, but they also offer the opportunity to receive more personalized instruction and feedback.

Private Lessons

Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction with a qualified instructor. This can be a great option for those who want personalized attention and feedback. Private lessons can be more expensive than group lessons, but they also offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling.

Group Lessons

Group lessons offer a more affordable option for those who want to learn to play unusual stringed instruments. Group lessons can be found at music stores or through community organizations, and they offer the opportunity to learn from and interact with other students. However, it’s important to keep in mind that group lessons may not offer as much personalized attention as private lessons.

Learning Unusual Techniques

In addition to finding lessons, learning unusual techniques is an important part of playing unusual stringed instruments. Alternative tunings, non-traditional sounds, multiple strings, electronics, unique materials, non-traditional shapes, non-traditional necks, and unusual techniques are all important aspects of playing unusual stringed instruments.

Benefits of Playing Unusual Stringed Instruments

Personal Growth

Enhancing Creativity

Playing unusual stringed instruments can enhance your creativity as you explore new sounds and techniques. You’ll learn to think outside the box and find unique ways to express yourself through music.

Expanding Musical Knowledge

Playing unusual stringed instruments can expand your musical knowledge by introducing you to different cultures and traditions. You’ll learn about the history and significance of these instruments, as well as the techniques used to play them.

Developing Skills

Playing unusual stringed instruments can help you develop your skills as a musician. You’ll learn new techniques and develop your finger dexterity, as well as improve your ear for music.

Improving Focus and Concentration

Playing unusual stringed instruments can improve your focus and concentration. As you learn to play these instruments, you’ll need to concentrate on your technique and the sound you’re producing. This can help you develop your ability to focus and concentrate in other areas of your life.

Types of Unusual Stringed Instruments

Ethnic and Traditional Instruments

Sitar

The sitar is a stringed instrument that originated in India. It has a long neck and a resonator body, and is played with a plectrum or fingers. The sitar is used in traditional Indian music and is known for its distinctive sound.

Dulcimer

The dulcimer is a stringed instrument that originated in the Appalachian region of the United States. It has a trapezoidal shape and a resonator body, and is played with two hammers or fingers. The dulcimer is used in traditional folk music and is known for its sweet, melodic sound.

Balalaika

The balalaika is a stringed instrument that originated in Russia. It has a triangular shape and a resonator body, and is played with a plectrum or fingers. The balalaika is used in traditional Russian music and is known for its bright, distinctive sound.

Koto

The koto is a stringed instrument that originated in Japan. It has a rectangular shape and a resonator body, and is played with plectrum or fingers. The koto is used in traditional Japanese music and is known for its delicate, ethereal sound.

Experimental Instruments

Theremin

The theremin is an electronic instrument that was invented in the early 20th century. It is played without physical contact, as the player moves their hands near the antennae to control the pitch and volume. The theremin is known for its eerie, otherworldly sound and was popular in early electronic music.

Hurdy Gurdy

The hurdy gurdy is a stringed instrument that originated in Europe. It has a cylindrical shape and a keyboard, and is played by turning a crank while pressing keys on the keyboard. The hurdy gurdy is known for its haunting, medieval sound and is still used in contemporary music.

Oud

The oud is a stringed instrument that originated in the Middle East. It has a pear-shaped body and a neck, and is played with a plectrum or fingers. The oud is used in traditional Middle Eastern music and is known for its rich, mellow sound.

Electric Cello

The electric cello is a modified version of the traditional cello. It has pickups and electronics that allow the player to amplify and manipulate the sound. The electric cello is used in contemporary music and is known for its versatile, electronic sound.

In conclusion, playing unusual stringed instruments can be a rewarding and enriching experience for musicians. It can enhance your creativity, expand your musical knowledge, develop your skills, and improve your focus and concentration. There are many unusual stringed instruments to choose from, including ethnic and traditional instruments like the sitar, dulcimer, balalaika, and koto, as well as experimental instruments like the theremin, hurdy gurdy, oud, and electric cello. Exploring these instruments can

FAQs

1. What is the most unusual stringed instrument you can find?

The most unusual stringed instrument you can find is the Musical Saw. It is an instrument that uses a saw as its sound-producing element, and it is played by using a bow or by hand. The sound produced by the Musical Saw is haunting and unique, and it has been used in various genres of music, including classical, folk, and experimental music.

2. What is the history of the Musical Saw?

The Musical Saw has a long and fascinating history. It is believed to have originated in 18th century France, where it was used in the court of King Louis XV. It later became popular in vaudeville and circus performances, and it has been featured in various films and TV shows. Today, the Musical Saw is still played by a small group of dedicated musicians and artists.

3. How is the Musical Saw played?

The Musical Saw is played by using a bow or by hand. To play the Musical Saw with a bow, the musician holds the saw on the floor or on a table and uses a bow to create a vibrato effect. To play the Musical Saw by hand, the musician holds the saw and uses a technique similar to playing the violin or cello. The musician can also create different sounds by using various techniques, such as tapping or scraping the saw.

4. What are some of the challenges of playing the Musical Saw?

One of the biggest challenges of playing the Musical Saw is that it requires a lot of control and precision. The saw is not a forgiving instrument, and even small mistakes can result in a lot of noise or dissonance. Additionally, the Musical Saw is a very physical instrument, and it can be difficult to play for long periods of time.

5. Where can I find a Musical Saw?

If you are interested in playing the Musical Saw, you may be able to find one at a local music store or online. However, keep in mind that the Musical Saw is a relatively rare instrument, and it may be difficult to find a high-quality one. It is also possible to make your own Musical Saw, although this can be a challenging and time-consuming process.

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